These clubs have been struggling in recent weeks which makes this an intriguing fixture. Diego Simeone has a lot of experience in these situations and with home advantage, I am siding with Atletico.
HTH - Fourth Clash
These clubs have met three times, the first two coming in the 2017/18 Europa League semi-finals where Atletico got through.
They met in the league phase in October, Arsenal winning 4-0 in London where Viktor Gyökeres scored the final two goals.
Atletico Focusing on One Competition
Atletico Madrid’s form has been mixed as their focus remains fixed on the Champions League. They got past Barcelona in the quarter-finals, holding on after a 2-0 away win in the first leg.
The Colchoneros were taken all the way by Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey final. Julian Alvarez made it 2-2 late on to take it to extra time and penalties, Alexander Sorloth and Alvarez failing to convert as they lost the shootout.
Diego Simeone’s side returned to La Liga where they seem content to finish fourth. Thiago Almada was sent off early in a 3-2 defeat at Elche before Sorloth scored twice to secure a 3-2 victory against Athletic Bilbao.
The manager was pleased with the turnaround against the Basque side: “In the first half, we couldn’t play the game we wanted to. We had the intention and the desire, but not the composure to go out and get it.
“We talked at half-time and said what we were thinking. Football can change with a single play, and that’s exactly what happened.”
Arsenal Battling on Two Fronts
Arsenal have been below their best in recent weeks, beaten 2-0 by Manchester City in the League Cup final and losing 2-1 at Southampton in the FA Cup.
The Gunners scraped past Sporting CP in the Champions League quarter-finals. Kai Havertz scored late to secure a 1-0 win in Lisbon before a 0-0 draw in London was enough to advance.
Mikel Arteta’s side got back to Premier League action with a 2-1 defeat at Man City that put their title hopes in doubt. Eberechi Eze scored early to secure a 1-0 win against Newcastle on Saturday, Arsenal ending with 0.49-1.00 expected goals.
Arteta was pleased with the defensive performance: “We know what is at stake. The margins are really small. We started the game really well, scored a beautiful goal. I loved the personality of the players. We were so disciplined without the ball, we only conceded one chance with Wissa.”
Predicted Lineups & Team News
Atletico Madrid (4-4-2) Jan Oblak; Nahuel Molina, Robin Le Normand, Clément Lenglet, Matteo Ruggeri; Giuliano Simeone, Marcos Llorente, Koke, Alex Baena; Julián Alvarez, Antoine Griezmann
Jan Oblak started against Bilbao and could keep his spot in the starting side. Alexander Sorloth might have to settle for a spot on the bench.
José Giménez and Pablo Barrios are injured with David Hancko and Ademola Lookman both doubtful.
Arsenal (4-2-3-1) David Raya; Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Piero Hincapié; Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Gabriel Martinelli
Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino are injured with Jurriën Timber, Eberechi Eze and Kai Havertz doubtful. Bukayo Saka is likely to get more minutes off the bench.